RTA, Dubai Police enforce evening truck ban on Emirates Road to Sharjah

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office 

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police General Headquarters have announced a new rule that will restrict trucks from moving along Emirates Road during the evening peak hours, specifically between Al Awir Street and Sharjah. This restriction will begin on January 1, 2025, and will apply from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
This new rule is part of the RTA’s plan to make traffic in Dubai smoother and safer. By limiting the number of trucks on the roads during busy times, the RTA hopes to reduce traffic jams, improve road safety, and make it easier for cars to move freely on these roads. The RTA also aims to make the streets safer for everyone by reducing the risk of accidents caused by trucks and smaller vehicles sharing the same lanes during busy periods.

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In April 2024, the RTA began applying similar rules on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, restricting truck movement during morning and evening peak hours. Starting in 2025, this rule will also be extended to Emirates Road, specifically for the evening peak hours.

The RTA has been enforcing truck bans on certain roads in Dubai for a while. Trucks are already banned on important roads like Al Ittihad Street and Meydan Street, and this rule applies at all times. On other roads, such as Sheikh Zayed Road and residential areas close to Sharjah like Al Mizhar, Al Muhaisnah, and Oud Al Muteena, trucks are not allowed from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. On roads that are not too busy, like Airport Street and Oman Street, trucks are restricted during peak hours, which are 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, the Acting Assistant Commandant for Operations Affairs at Dubai Police, explained that this new rule is the result of a careful study to balance the needs for safety with the demands of transportation. The goal is to reduce the chances of accidents by keeping trucks off the road during the busy evening hours. Al Mazrouei also noted that the RTA and Dubai Police are working together to raise awareness about these new rules, especially among truck drivers and transport company owners, so they can avoid fines for not following the rules.

The new truck movement restrictions are expected to improve traffic safety and help reduce accidents during peak hours. It will also help reduce traffic congestion, which can be a major problem in Dubai, especially in the evening. By reducing the number of trucks on Emirates Road, the roads will be clearer for smaller vehicles, and this will lead to faster and safer travel. In addition, the reduced traffic congestion will help the environment by lowering fuel consumption and reducing harmful emissions.

Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, stated that the truck ban is part of the RTA’s broader strategy to manage traffic and improve road safety. The decision was made in coordination with several partners, including Dubai Police, the Department of Economy and Tourism, DP World, and Dubai Airports. Al Banna emphasized that the restriction on truck movement will not only improve the flow of light vehicles but will also direct truck traffic to alternative routes where they are allowed to drive. This will help reduce overall travel time for everyone.

The decision was not made without careful planning. RTA officials carried out technical studies to determine the best times for truck restrictions based on traffic data, accident records, and the need to redirect traffic to other roads that can handle the volume. Along with this, the RTA, Dubai Police, and other authorities will ensure that truck drivers and transport companies are informed about the new rules. Clear signs will be placed along Emirates Road, and there will be media campaigns, social media posts, and messages broadcast on local radio stations to keep everyone updated.

Additionally, the RTA has been working on providing better options for truck drivers. Since mid-2023, the RTA has been collaborating with private companies to build truck rest areas. These rest areas are spread across important roads like Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, covering over 300,000 square meters of land. They will be able to accommodate around 1,000 trucks, providing facilities like fuel stations, rest areas for drivers, maintenance workshops, and places to eat. Some of these rest areas will also have motels for drivers to stay overnight, training centres, medical clinics, and other important services that will help ensure the safety and well-being of drivers.

RTA and Dubai Police’s new initiative to restrict truck movement during the evening peak hours on Emirates Road is a step toward reducing traffic congestion, improving safety, and making the roads better for all users. This initiative will rely on the cooperation of truck drivers, transport companies, and all road users to ensure its success. The new measures will be enforced carefully, with plenty of opportunities for everyone to learn about the rules ahead of time so that traffic in Dubai can be safer and more efficient for everyone.